Have questions about child hunger? Check out our FAQ.
This is America. Are there really children struggling with hunger here?
Yes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 17 million American children live in households where they don't have enough food to lead healthful, active lives and may miss meals on a regular basis. That means almost 1 in 4 children doesn’t know where his or her next meal is coming from.
Hunger disproportionately affects children—nearly 40 percent of the people who turn to charities for hunger relief are children, although they represent only 25 percent of the U.S. population.1 Households with children experience food insecurity at almost double the rate of households without children.1
The issue of child hunger is a hidden problem: you can't always immediately see the difference between a child who went to bed hungry and a child who ate three well-balanced meals. Even though we may not see it, hunger lives in our classrooms, playgrounds, neighborhoods and our own backyard.
What are some of the causes of child hunger?
In the last decade, hunger relief agencies have found that the greatest increase in need has been among the working poor. Despite their hard work, they are often faced with tough decisions between paying the bills and putting food on the table.
According to Feeding America’s recent Hunger in America 2010 study, Feeding America clients with children in their households often faced difficult decisions: providing food for their family or paying for other necessities.1 Tough choices included:
More than 35 percent had to pick between food and medical care.
Nearly 55 percent made trade-offs between food and utilities.
More than 46 percent had to choose between food and paying rent or the mortgage.
What are the effects of child hunger?
Children who do not receive adequate nourishment may suffer from adverse effects to their development and health. The recurring involuntary lack of access to food can lead to malnutrition over time. Children who don't eat a balanced diet—even for a short time—can experience physical, emotional and cognitive development problems. Research indicates that even mild malnutrition experienced by young children during critical periods of growth impacts the behavior of children, their school performance and their overall cognitive development.
Children who struggle with hunger may face additional problems, such as:
Slower growth and inhibited brain development2
More illnesses, including stomachaches, headaches, colds, ear infections and fatigue2
Greater susceptibility to obesity and its harmful health consequences2
Lower concentration and alertness in school3
Lower academic achievement3
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Increased likelihood of developing psychosocial and behavioral issues, such as:
More aggressive behavior4
Higher levels of hyperactivity, anxiety, and/or passivity4
Greater need for mental health services4
Less energy for social interactions3
Unable to adapt as effectively to environmental stresses3
Why focus on child hunger?
The ConAgra Foods Foundation finds it unacceptable that there are millions of children who miss meals on a regular basis. Children are the building blocks of the nation's future prosperity; if not properly nourished, they will not grow or reach their full potential, and neither will we as a nation. We want to ensure children have access to both food and facts about food to eat nutritiously, to live balanced lifestyles, and to succeed in school and life.
That’s why we are committed to raising awareness about child hunger in America, aggressively pursuing sustainable solutions to end child hunger, and building a community of people who are passionate about joining us in this fight to end child hunger. It is the essence of our Nourish Today, Flourish Tomorrow platform, which seeks to meet both immediate needs and innovative, long-term solutions in the areas of child hunger and nutrition education.
1 Hunger in America 2010, Feeding America Please note: household tradeoffs are based on Feeding America client households with children and no seniors
2 Children’s HealthWatch (formerly Children’s Sentinel Nutrition Assessment Program/C-SNAP)
3 Child Food Insecurity: The Economic Impact on Our Nation, John Cook, PhD, 2009
4 Share Our Strength - Facts on Childhood Hunger; Hunger in Children in the United States: Potential Behavioral and Emotional Correlate, Pediatrics
Hunger by the Numbers
One in five children is struggling with hunger in America. In some U.S. counties though, that number is as high as one in two Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap illustrates the reality of hunger in communities nationwide.
No Kid Hungry
We believe no child in America should go hungry. Take the No Kid Hungry Pledge today and add your voice to the community of people passionate about ending childhood hunger in America.
Apply for a Grant
Want to apply for a grant from the ConAgra Foods Foundation? Learn about the application process and the criteria the ConAgra Foods Foundation uses to evaluate grant applications here.
